An integrated circuit device for use in connecting synchronous optical networks to packet networks and synchronous time division multiplexed subscriber lines and a method of operation of same is disclosed. An embodiment of the invention may include SONET/SDH compatible optical carrier framing, cross connect, and packet mapping functionality. In addition, it may support Ethernet packet network connections and DS1/E1 and DS3/E3 time division multiplexed subscriber circuits, and may include a telecom bus compatible interface for the connection of additional communications devices. An embedded microprocessor core and embedded memory may permit the present invention to support enhanced remote diagnostic, trouble reporting, traffic management, and software update capabilities.